Johanna Powell missing: BBC journalist feared dead as body found in Laos river after boat accident

The body of Johanna Powell is believed to have been found in Thailand following her disappearance on Saturday(Facebook)

A BBC journalist is feared dead after a body was found near where her boat capsized in Laos.

Johanna Powell disappeared on 11 April when the tourist cruise boat she was on sank along the Mekong River in Laos. A body was found on 13 April following a two-day search.

The BBC Wales picture editor was reportedly asleep on the vessel when the boat hit a rock in rapids – described by witnesses as "so rough, like a washing machine".

Nine passengers including her friends, three crew and a tour guide managed to swim to safety but Powell was taken away.

Adisak Star, of cruise company Nagi of Mekong, said: "It is very sad, the body was downstream from where the boat sank. Police officers are making their way to the spot. It's in the middle of nowhere."

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) confirmed a body has been found, but it has not yet been identified and was providing "consular assistance" to Powell's family. Powell's colleagues at BBC Wales said they were extremely saddened by the news.

A spokeswoman said: "We are aware that a body has been found in the area where Jo went missing following a boating incident. Our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time."